FAQs

I want to participate in the Inquiry’s Public Hearings, what must I do?

If you want to participate in the Inquiry’s Public Hearings, you must do the following two things:

Submit a completed Application to Participate (Standing) to the Inquiry Offices by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2017; and

Appear on December 12 and 13, 2017 at the Participation (Standing) Hearings at the Elgin Country Courthouse in St. Thomas, Ontario.

Can more than one person apply on a single Application to Participate (Standing) form?

No. Each person must complete a separate Application form.

What is the Application deadline?

Completed Application Forms must be received by the Inquiry office no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2017.

How do I submit my Application form?

Applications can be submitted electronically through the website at longtermcareinquiry.ca, or in writing to the Long-Term Care Homes Public Inquiry, 400 University Avenue, Suite 1800C, Toronto, ON M7A 2R9.

Will I automatically get to participate in the Inquiry’s Public Hearings if I submit the Application and appear at the Participation (Standing) Hearings?

No. After the Participation (Standing) Hearings, the Commissioner will decide who is permitted to participate and the manner of their participation.

How will the Commissioner decide if I can participate?

The Commissioner will make her decisions in accordance with s. 15 of the Public Inquiries Act, 2009. She will consider whether:

The applicant has a substantial and direct interest in the subject matter of the Inquiry;

The applicant is likely to be notified of a possible finding of misconduct under s. 17 of the Public Inquiries Act, 2009;

The applicant’s participation would further the conduct of the Inquiry; and/or

The applicant’s participation would contribute to the Inquiry’s openness and fairness.

When and where will the Participation (Standing) Hearings take place?

The Participation (Standing) Hearings will be held on December 12 and 13, 2017 at the Elgin County Courthouse in St. Thomas, Ontario.

Why do I have to appear in person at the Participation (Standing) Hearings?

Applicants must appear in person at the Participation (Standing) Hearings to answer any questions the Commissioner may have about their Application. Applicants will also be permitted to briefly explain why they should be allowed to participate in the Inquiry’s Public Hearings.

Must every applicant attend the Participation (Standing) Hearing?

Yes. Each person who makes an Application must attend the Participation (Standing) Hearings.

How will I know if I have been granted the right to participate?

Decisions on who have been granted the right to participate will be posted on the Inquiry’s website in January 2018.

Can I apply for funding to participate in the Inquiry?

Yes. There is a space on the Application form in which you can ask that the Commissioner recommend to the Attorney General of Ontario that you be given funding.

Who decides whether I will be given funding?

The Attorney General of Ontario decides who will be given funding to participate in the Inquiry. The Commissioner makes recommendations to the Attorney General about funding.

How will I know if the Commissioner has recommended that I receive funding to participate?

The Commissioner’s recommendations on funding will be posted on the Inquiry website in January 2018.

I want to provide information to the Inquiry but I do not want to participate in the Inquiry’s Public Hearings. How can I do that?

The Inquiry welcomes your thoughts and suggestions. You can send that information in writing to the Inquiry website at longtermcareinquiry.ca or by mail to the Inquiry office at 400 University Avenue, Suite 1800C, Toronto, ON M7A 2R9.